Delano South Beach Hotel Gets Facelift
MIAMI BEACH (CBS4)- Since it first opened in 1995 under hotelier Ian Schrager, the Delano has maintained its uber-cool reputation, but now the hotel is getting an even greater facelift.
It's the place where tourists and locals come and soak up the atmosphere, and world class designer Phillipe Starke created the first indoor outdoor lobby at the hotel offering a seamless flow between the two.
Starck has assembled an international collection of furniture and objects, including works from such renowned artists as Antonio Gaudi, Man Ray, Charles and Ray Eames, Salvador Dali and Mark Newson.
Now owned by the Morgans Hotel Group, it just acquired the Light Group, a Las Vegas based company, and the move is giving the iconic hotel a bit of a makeover.
Morgans Hotel Group's vice president JP Oliver said, "It's a new style of glamour and sophistication. And a new type of marketing arm."
First and foremost is the grand opening of Bianca, the new restaurant, which was once known as the Blue Door and formerly owned by Madonna.
The new look is softer with blonde woods and light textures, and the food is inviting.
"The food is indicative of the dining room," said executive chef Brian Massey. "Organic food, with an Italian flair, prosciutto with burrata cheese, grilled octopus, shaved artichokes with parmesan and salmon carpaccio, for example."
The outdoor spaces were also renovated. The infinity edge pool remains the same. But the pool area is now lined with brand new cabanas and a completely re-figured beach club area, making the backyard feel like a club during the day and night.
"It was time for a facelift as the hotel is almost 16 years," Oliver said. "We want to continue to be the style setters and leaders in the market."
Oliver said despite slower times in recent years for the hotel business on South Beach, 2012 is looking good.
"This last year was great and January, moving forward, looks like it will be a record year." said Oliver
Bianca at the Delano officially opens for business Friday.
